Jason Dickinson Returns to Add Defensive Savvy to Lineup

(Credit: Christina Shapiro/Texas Stars)

Jason Dickinson has been assigned to the Texas Stars from Dallas. The sophomore forward had shoulder surgery in the offseason and will make his season debut this week after missing all of training camp.

Dickinson's return couldn't come at a better time. After going 2-0 in opening weekend, Texas collected just one point on their three game trip to California. On the road, they averaged more than five goals allowed per game. Dickinson, who has commented in the past he wants to be known as much if not more for his defensive game than his offense, could help in that regard. His return also helps to balance out the loss of Gemel Smith, who is in Dallas. Center depth has been challenged throughout the organization.

Here's the release:

Dallas Stars General Manager Jim Nill announced today that the team has loaned forward Jason Dickinson to the Texas Stars, Dallas' top development affiliate in the American Hockey League (AHL).

Dickinson, 21, had a breakout rookie season in the AHL last year when he finished second among rookie skaters in goals (22) and seventh in points (53). He also led the Texas Stars with three shorthanded goals and finished tied for the team lead with four game-winning tallies.

The first-round pick of Dallas (29th overall) in 2013 also made his NHL debut last season, and scored his first career goal, on April 7, 2016, in a 4-2 win over the Colorado Avalanche.